Talking Points: Cookie back taxes, millions for ban, bag tax excesses

DeBaufre Bakeries, the Baltimore company that makes the historic treat, is well behind in its taxes. According to the Baltimore Sun, the bakery owes the IRS $109,000 in back taxes dating to 2009. It has been a rough stretch for the bakery, which had to close its doors in January for failing to have a license, and the owner is in the hospital. DeBaufre Bakeries bought the bakery owned by the Berger family in 1969. The Berger cookie first debuted in 1835.

How much is Bloomberg paying to power his gun ban campaign?

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg promised to spend $12 million to fund an ad blitz aimed at pressuring lawmakers in 10 states to back extensive gun control efforts. Bloomberg's Mayors Against Illegal Guns group has ramped up its lobbying efforts since a mass shooting at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school left 20 children and six adults dead. But are gun advocates worried? Not in the least bit. National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre told "Meet the Press" Sunday that Bloomberg "can't spend enough of his $27 billion to try to impose his will on the American public."

Is Montgomery County ditching the bag tax?

No, but county council members admitted last week it might be a bit excessive. The 5 cent tax on plastic bags at checkout is a little more than a year old and county officials said it was too early to tell if it's working. Council members expressed concern, however, that they may have gone overboard when they chose to include retailers and restaurants. Some said it's not reasonable to require people to bring reusable bags with them when they go shopping or pick up fast food.